Oak Park residents urged to comment on proposed I-290 alternatives by June 29

A few days remain for those wanting to submit their thoughts about the future configuration of Interstate 290 and its impact on quality of life in the community.

As part of its effort to identify a preferred alternative for major reconstruction of the Eisenhower Expressway, the Illinois Department of Transportation is accepting public comments until June 29 on the latest version of its Alternatives Identification and Evaluation Report. Oak Park officials are advocating for a multi-modal solution – preferably a CTA Blue Line westward extension – that stays within the existing roadway trench.

This approach, according to officials, should be accompanied by investments that enhance community connectivity across the Ike and improve pedestrian and bicycle access to CTA stations. Written comments may be submitted online at www.eisenhowerexpressway.com/informed or by e-mail to Mark.Peterson@illinois.gov.

Every alternative proposed by IDOT includes highway expansion. Some combination of transit investments and pricing strategies that can significantly decrease congestion, enhance regional accessibility, improve environmental performance and diversify non-automobile transportation options would benefit all communities along the corridor.

Residents and village officials have said necessary evaluations of environmental impacts have not been done, a measure that's required by federal law. Assistant Village Manager Rob Cole has also said there isn't enough evidence to support IDOT's claim that shifting the ramp location will help improve safety or mobility.

For more information on the impact of the expressway expansion, call 708-358-5791or email cole@oak-park.us.

I see this as an opportunity to get a bike path built along the I-290 to downtown. Such a "bike highway" would make a bike commute from the western parts of Chicago and western suburbs feasible, both due to reduced travel time (no stopping) and improved safety (both due to vehicles and crime). If good connections were to be included to the prairie path trail to the west, and the lakeshore path to the east, Chicagoland could become an instant world-leader in bike friendliness!

Cdonovan2

Posted: June 27th, 2012 8:29 AM

Page 55 of the AIER states that "The GP add-lanes combined with HCT provides the best overall regional & local travel improvement and the best improvement related to modal connections and opportunities." In short, the addition of two lanes to the IKE does not exclude the extension of the Blue Line. The question remains, can it be done within the existing trency, if so, lets get it done.

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